Layoffs Explained, SuperBot Parts Ways with Sony

Just last week, we reported on how SuperBot Entertainment, the developers behind the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita exclusive title, PlayStation All-Stars: Battle Royale,were laying off 20 employees. At the time, it wasn’t clear if the developers were downsizing after the ramp up for PS All-Stars (which is typical as companies tend to hire additional staffing near the product’s release time to meet the game’s deadline), or if the layoff was due to the game not meeting sales expectations which would result in the company needing to cut costs. After today’s announcement that Sony and SuperBot are going their separate ways, it’s become quite clear as to why the layoffs took place.

According to IGN who reached out to Sony, the two companies are going their own ways, now that the dust has settled from the game’s launch nearly three months ago.

Sony Computer Entertainment can confirm that the working agreement with developer SuperBot Entertainment has amicably ended. We have had a positive working relationship with this talented studio, and wish them the best of success in their next endeavor. PlayStation All-Stars: Battle Royale and the title’s forthcoming DLC releases will continue to be fully supported by Santa Monica Studio.

And when SuperBot was reached for comments on the matter, they stated:

SuperBot Entertainment can confirm that the relationship with SCEA has ended on good terms. We are extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to work on with Sony on Playstation All-Stars Battle Royale, and are extremely proud of the work we have done. SuperBot Entertainment will continue working on projects that reflect our passion for games and our commitment to creating award winning titles. We are very excited about beginning the next chapter of our future and invite all of our fans and supporters to follow our journey.

With no future projects announced from the small developers, there was a big chance that they were not allowed to work with other publishers during their time on PlayStation All-Stars; SuperBot is equally not big enough to work on multiple titles at once, indicating that, now that the two companies have gone their separate ways, a reduction in staffing was and is necessary.

In fact, we don’t have to think too far back to see a similar thing to happen to LightBox Interactive, lead by Dylan Jobe. After the lackluster sales of StarHawk, the company was forced to reduce staffing considerably and since then, the developers have moved towards iOS games.

Discuss:

Do you think it’s wise for Sony to part with SuperBot?

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